Analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound elastometry of the liver in women with chronic hepatitis C

Abstract

Introduction. Despite the success in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV), the incidence of HCV remains at a high level, and the assessment of the degree of liver fibrosis is relevant in all patients with HCV.The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative diagnosis of the stages of liver fibrosis in women with chronic hepatitis C according to ultrasound elastometry and biopsy.Materials and Methods. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive clinical, laboratory (including virological), instrumental examination of 93 patients with HCV of reproductive age was conducted.Results. When interpreting the results, it was found that ultrasound elastometry in women with chronic hepatitis C is comparable to the results of percutaneous puncture liver biopsy.Discussion. Chronic hepatitis causes significant economic damage to health systems. The main factor affecting the reduction of morbidity and the risk of complications is the early diagnosis of HCV infection and timely antiviral therapy. The main objective of therapy is to achieve a stable virological response (SVR), as well as to reduce the activity of inflammation and the stage of AF in patients with HCV. The isolated use of serum markers of fibrosis and ultrasound elastometry of the liver at the early stages of the disease is not informative enough, so it is advisable to use a combination of different techniques, and at the CP stage, a puncture biopsy can be safely replaced with ultrasound elastometry of the liver, especially for the purpose of dynamic monitoring of patients with HCV.Conclusion. According to the comparative ROC-analysis of the results of ultrasound elastography and puncture liver biopsy, the high sensitivity and specificity of these methods for diagnosing liver fibrosis was established. The comparability of ultrasound elastography of the liver with the results of puncture biopsy, in young women, increases with the progression of liver fibrosis, and can be used to determine its degree.